Tinubu Government Trying to Stop My 2027 Presidential Bid, Peter Obi Alleges

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is making efforts to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Obi made the claim on Friday while speaking as the guest speaker at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, in Anambra State.

According to the former Anambra State governor, there are ongoing moves aimed at keeping him off the ballot, but he remains undeterred.

“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination,” he said.

Obi also challenged all presidential aspirants, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria.

“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” he stated.

The former governor said his ambition was driven by a desire to build a better country rather than personal political interests.

“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian President but desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said, urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process.

He further appealed to voters to support candidates based on competence rather than ethnicity.

“Do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. Vote for me because I’m the most qualified,” Obi said, adding that the greatest beneficiaries of his presidency would be Northern Nigeria.

Speaking on the country’s security situation, Obi pledged to tackle insecurity and restore public confidence if elected.

He also reacted to the Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja which set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

Obi maintained that the court decision would not derail his political ambition.

“They cannot stop me. They will fail. It is not the end of the road. We are committed to democracy, and those who want to kill democracy are trying to hurt society,” he declared.

He called on his supporters and Nigerians to remain peaceful while continuing to defend democratic values, expressing confidence that “the will of the people must prevail.”

The Federal Government has not responded to Obi’s allegations.